Bryant makes another bad decision while returning a punt

ARLINGTON – Cowboys coach Jason Garrett warned Dez Bryant after last week’s win at Carolina that he needed to guard against making reckless decisions while returning punts.

That’s one of the reasons Bryant’s fumble while returning a punt Sunday in the first quarter of the 29-24 loss to the Giants was so stunning.

“I thought it was a bad play,” Garrett said of Bryant’s turnover, which the Giants turned a field goal for a 16-0 lead early in the second quarter. “When the ball came out, it was a big swing for them.”

Asked about his failure to secure the ball, Bryant said, “I was trying to get myself prepared to run. It’s just something I need to keep practicing, just keep my focus and stop trying to go before I have the rock.”

Reminded that Garrett told him to play it safe after the Carolina game, Bryant said, “I love to make plays. I feel like that’s my job – to make plays.”

Even when your coach tells you to play it safe?

“You’re right, but…it wasn’t like we were backed up on the 10,” Bryant said.

It’s comments like those that reinforce the belief that the Cowboys just aren’t a smart team not matter how hard Garrett tries to transform them into one.